Horse Racing isn’t just something we do at Down Royal, it’s a part of our culture.
FOOD & DRINK
For all racegoers attending Down Royal, the bars on site include the public Bushmills Bar in the main grandstand, the Dark Horse Wine Bar and the outdoor paddock bar beside the parade ring on busier days. All hospitality suites have their own private bar facilities.
If you opt for a general admission ticket, there are plenty of food options on site. Our Curbed, by Vanilla Black offer a fantastic gourmet selection with luxury Beef Burgers along with Gourmet Hot Dogs.
The Dark Horse Wine Bar offers a premium wine menu in stylish surroundings with views over the finishing straight and a balcony overlooking the Parade Ring. No booking is required but it is very popular so we advise you get there early!
View PackagesWhat to wear
Smart-casual is advised for all our race days. However, please note, sportswear is not allowed.
Ladies Day
Are you planning to attend one of our Ladies Days at our June or November Festival? A Ladies Day at Down Royal is as much about fashion as it is the horse racing, it’s an opportunity to get dressed up for one of the best days of the year.
Without doubt, Ladies Day provides an extra level of colour, glamour and excitement to our already prestigious Festival race days, and we encourage all ladies to step up to the style stakes!
Directions & Parking
Car
There is FREE car parking available to everyone attending Down Royal. All car parks are within a 5 minute walk of the turnstiles. Our postcode is BT27 5RW.
Bus
There is a return bus which leaves Donegal Square West 30 minutes before gates open on raceday and will return approximately one hour after the scheduled last race at Down Royal. The bus can be booked whilst purchasing your tickets. For further information on the bus service please contact Belfast Bus Company on 028 90742444.
Taxi
For anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the races without driving, a taxi service is provided by Valuecabs. The taxi rank operates from the front of the turnstile building throughout the day and after racing. A taxi from Belfast City Centre is approximately £25 and takes around 20 minutes to reach the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions about your visit? Read on to find the answers with our most frequently asked questions.
WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS?
You can book tickets here, via phone or general admission can be purchased at the gate on race day.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
It is advisable to arrive at least one hour before the advertised time of the first race. Turnstiles open approximately an hour and a half before the first race of each day.
WHEN WILL MY TICKETS ARRIVE?
Approximately 2/3 weeks before Raceday.
WILL I BE ABLE TO GET A RACECARD?
Yes, all racegoers will receive a FREE racecard.
WHAT TO WEAR?
We advise all racegoers of our smart casual dress code. No sportswear, such as jerseys, will be allowed on Raceday.
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes, there is FREE parking available. Raceday staff will assist you on arrival.
CAN I LEAVE MY CAR IN THE CARPARK OVERNIGHT?
Yes, you can leave your car overnight after racing. The carpark will not be closed. However we are not liable for the car once racing is finished.
IS THERE GROUP DISCOUNTS?
Yes, we offer group discounts to groups of 20 guests or more. We can offer £5 off per General Admission Ticket for groups of this size. Please call the office should you wish to avail of the group discount.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FIXTURE IS CANCELLED?
If a fixture is cancelled our refund policy will apply. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
IF I AM UNABLE TO ATTEND, CAN I GET A REFUND?
In the event of a cancellation by the client the following cancellation charges (based on projected numbers confirmed by the client) will be payable by the Client to the racecourse. 2 months from event date - 50%. 1 month from event date - 75%. Within 10 days of event date - 100%.
IS THERE WI-FI AT DOWN ROYAL?
Yes, WiFi is available throughout the racecourse
ARE THERE FOOD FACILITIES?
Yes! Our Curbed, by Vanilla Black, offer a fantastic gourmet selection of food from luxury beef burgers to gourmet hot dogs.
CAN I BRING A PICNIC?
Unfortunately, food and drink cannot be brought into the racecourse. Bag searches are carried out on arrival and any visitors found bringing items in will be asked to consume or dispose of the items before entering.
IS THERE A CASH POINT AT THE RACECOURSE?
Yes there is a cash point located outside the raceday office beside the parade ring.
WHEELCHAIR & LIMITED MOBILITY ACCESS?
Down Royal are happy to issue complimentary access to one carer per person. We are a wheelchair friendly venue and offer a limited mobility car park area for those vehicles with the appropriate vehicle badges.
There are public food and drinks options on ground level and all buildings have lifts to upper floors for hospitality suites. Wheelchair toilets are available throughout the site.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
For health and safety reasons, dogs other than guide or hearing dogs, are not permitted at the racecourse.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE ON SITE?
Unfortunately, we are unable to store any bags or luggage on site.
DO YOU PROVIDE HIGHCHAIRS FOR CHILDREN?
No, we do not provide highchairs at the racecourse.
IS THERE A LOST PROPERTY OFFICE?
If you lose or find something please go to the raceday office, located beside the parade ring. After a raceday please call the racecourse office on 028 92 62 1256 to enquire about lost property.